In volleyball, a dig is a defensive move where a player prevents the ball from hitting the ground on their side of the net after an opponent has spiked or served the ball. A dig only occurs when a player passes a ball that is an attack attempt, such as a spike or serve. The point of digging in volleyball is to prevent the other team from scoring, and a successful dig can help set up a scoring opportunity for the players team.
To perform a dig, a player must anticipate the spike and be prepared to quickly dive in any direction. Volleyball players with quick contracting muscles are able to move faster, using their strength and flexibility to get low to the ground in order to dig out a hard hit. Volleyball diggers must be able to move laterally, forward, and backward explosively at full range of motion. It is also important for a volleyball digger to be able to read the opposing teams movements in order to know where the ball will be hit and which areas they need to cover.
To execute a dig, a player should plant their feet wider than their shoulders, bend their knees, and be ready to move quickly by shifting their weight forward on their toes. They should get into a receiving position by stretching both arms out in front of them and pressing them together from hands to elbows. Then, they should shuffle their feet quickly to meet the ball, aligning their body as much as possible towards their target as they receive the spike. Finally, they should keep their elbows locked, absorb the spike, and aim for their target to pass the ball to a teammate to set up their offensive series.
Overall, digging is an important skill in volleyball that helps prevent the other team from scoring and sets up scoring opportunities for the players team. It requires quick reflexes, strength, flexibility, and the ability to read the opposing teams movements.
